Football Team Topples New Milford For Boot Trophy Bragging Rights

Newtown players celebrate their Boot Trophy triumph following a 56-13 win over New Milford on October 11.

Photo: Andy Hutchison

Austin Babyak defends as New Milford quarterback Tyler Hansen runs with the ball.

The Boot Trophy has been in Newtown High School’s possession since 1994. There was little question about whether or not things would remain status quo in the football team’s home tilt with New Milford at Blue & Gold Stadium on October 11. The Nighthawks jumped out to a commanding lead early on, went ahead 56-6 at halftime, and coasted to a 56-13 triumph to improve to 5-0. The visiting Green Wave fell to 1-4.

Once the final whistled sounded, the Nighthawks raised the Boot Trophy yet again. Newtown and New Milford have competed for the right to hold onto the trophy in this almost-annual clash throughout the years, and the Nighthawks have come out on top every time since a Wave win back in 1993. In fact, the Hawks have won bragging rights 16 straight times. The trophy was first presented by The Bee to the winner of these rivals back in the 1960s.

Julian Dunn scored a trio of touchdowns for the second week in a row, Cooper Gold ran for two scores, Otto Kerler made a leaping TD reception in the end zone, and Tim Krapf also scored a TD for the Hawks. Newtown’s other score came on special teams as Ethan Carpenter returned a kickoff 88 yards to paydirt. Jaret DeVellis, Jack Lago, and Krapf all had interceptions.

“We’re preaching to our kids to get better every week — and we are,” Newtown Coach Steve George said.

Newtown’s starters were pulled after the first half, giving reserves a chance for some game action. “Everybody got a chance to play tonight,” George said.

Among those players was sophomore Sam Czel who saw time as a kick returner and safety, and admitted he felt some butterflies upon getting the call to take the field. “As I got out there they went away,” he said.

“It was great to get to go out and play,” added John DelRossi, who took a few handoffs and ran the ball well in his playing time off the bench.

The Nighthawks will head back to the road for the fourth time in six weeks to begin the season when they visit Wolcott on Friday, October 18. The Hawks return to Blue & Gold to face Weston on October 25. Both games are scheduled to begin at 7 pm.